Aleksandra Kuczynska is a glass artist that creates glass pieces all handmade with help of her creativity. Rondo Glass is her brand and today we get to know a little more about her work and her passion for glass work.

How and why did you get into the design Industry? Where did you study, etc.?

I think that was an effect of my interests and focus on a creative aspect of my nature. I simply like to develop some ideas and through my work as an artisan bring them into the physical world. What is important for me is to learn more and to truly express my personality and potential. I want to continue my growth as an artist, craft person and a passionate designer. Design Industry is where people with creative qualities perform as professionals, that is why I also go towards this direction.

I have a chance to work with a material, which in my opinion challenges you impressively, but gives also the widest spectrum of possibilities. Glass is present in my life since I studied design and renovation of stained glass, what ended up with my bachelor degree in 2007. All the techniques that can be applied to flat glass are not of course the only ones. I understood I wanted to experience this wide and interesting field of glass craft. In effect, in 2012 I have completed my education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw (Poland), with an MA degree in Design, with distinct specialization in glass design. I had also the chance to study abroad at University of Wolverhampton (UK) where I experienced hot glass techniques. I have been continuing my adventure with glass until now and I see it as a part of my future.

How would you describe your design style? How varied are your designs? Do you have a signature touch with your designs?

My works can be simple in form, but they always hide detailed complexity within. Intellectual and artistic value, thoughtful use of techniques and precision of a detail characterize my entire work.

I don’t agree with how many items are mass-produced, this does not resonate with my values. I want to use not only these time-tested techniques but also the idea of art piece introduced in modern form with function, and to offer the quality based on my skills. I work in a multidisciplinary domain and in my design approach I follow values, which nowadays belong to a unique and luxury vision of product development. My works are on the edge between art and design. I have in my portfolio various projects of everyday use objects, art pieces, jewellery but also those, which refer to digital and 3D graphics. I do not want to stick to one domain and it is much more interesting to have open possibilities.

What do you love about being a designer?

To be in this state of the creative riddle. Which is a mix of freedom in a way of thinking, because everything is possible, and the ability to find the best solutions, which need to be applied to turn that idea into a physical thing. I apply the same theory to my life.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I afraid I will be not very original with my answer to this question. My best source of inspirations is Nature. I am constantly impressed by the logical solutions, pure beauty and perfection that nature introduces. I love the rhythm, proportions and hidden meaning in each aspect of nature’s designs. I also find inspiration in geometry, patterns and modularity. In science and technology, from nowadays and from the past. The truth is I never know what will inspire me, and will touch that creative string and will push me to build something on top of that. What inspires me most is to keep my eyes and mind open, but also my heart to feel it in a right way.

What are some of your most popular works? Tell us a bit about some of your works and what you love about them. What’s your favourite and why?

My favourite glass techniques are the cold ones. That means cutting, polishing, glueing and grinding. I have done various art pieces based on these time consuming practices. What I like most about them is the optical aspect, complexity and aesthetic that I want to capture inside one piece of glass. I am happy with one work especially. It is my MA degree project, in which I introduced four modular lamps and a wall panel. To create that piece took me ten months of real physical workJ. All of the 44 glass elements I had to handcraft with mathematical precision, just to be able to put them together and interchange them. Glass will always show you your mistakes and you need to be in constant focus while working. It is a long process to get from the raw surface to high polish, but to break it or scratch is just a moment, then the process needs to be start from the beginning. The value for me is the level of focus, determination and practice I gained while working on that project. Now when I look at it, of course I see some details I could do better now, but I am still impressed and surprised that I have done it. It proves to me that I can do anything if I want to.

Is there anything exciting that you are working on at the moment that you can tell us about?

I have been living and working in Copenhagen for 2 years. In January 2014 I started my life project, Rondo Glass. This includes glass art but also other items. I chose Rondo Glass as a name because work with glass always involves spinning. Under the brand I slowly want to introduce various designs, craft techniques and unique pieces of art. I like the idea that each work is one of a kind, and I know it will be an important value in the philosophy of my brand.

At the moment I am working on some unique interior accessories. I engrave a detailed free hand drawing on one side of black, circular glass. Although I am just at the beginning of my journey with Rondo Glass, I have a clear idea on how I want to develop the concept. I also create some jewellery under the name Kaska Jewellery, and collaborate in the mean time with a Danish jewellery brand, which is focused on modular jewellery elements. With each step I take I become more and more excited to see how the outside world will respond to support my journey.

What is your philosophy on design and life?

Be and express myself in the most true and valuable way possible. Look at things with care, respect and passion. Trust my potential, work and be humble.

What are your design/art dreams/goals?

At the moment I work to be noticed as an artist, designer and craft person. I am building my brand from nothing supporting it only with my philosophy, passion and believe, which I believe is a right mix for the beginningJ In time, I want to introduce beautiful objects, carefully handcrafted, with a modern look and a practical function. I am open to collaborate with brands that will find my skills valuable and to be involved in interesting projects. I would like to establish the studio, where I will be able to work in a way I dream, with all the equipment and space, which is necessary. Glass does not exist without light that is why in the future I would like to focus on light installations and lamps, to combine in them all the values I see important.

Those activities are already on my way in some part. Now it is a matter of time and persistence to keep my eyes on it and work every day to let it grow. My life goal is to be present now, stay open on that what will come and to turn dreams into reality.